Planting the roots for a greener Saint John

21-Sep-2016

The City of Saint John awarded $25,000 TD Green Streets grant for urban forestry initiative in Rockwood Park

The City of Saint John is pleased to announce it has been selected by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) and Tree Canada to receive a $25,000 TD Green Streets grant for its 2016 urban forestry program. Over 140 applications were submitted to the 2016 TD Green Streets program, and Saint John is one of 13 municipalities selected to receive a grant.

“There are many ways in which we can continue to grow Saint John to be a more livable and sustainable community. This grant from TD FEF and the innovative work of our City staff in our regional park is a great example of how we are growing our City from an environmental perspective.”

The funding will support the development of the arboretum in Rockwood Park.

“We are thankful to have received this grant as it has enabled us to plant 20 new species of trees that are native to New Brunswick in the Park. Interpretive signage and tree identification keys have also been installed along the trail system to provide visitors with information on each of the species,” said Rockwood Park Naturalist Emilie Murphy. “We will use the arboretum as part of our ongoing partnership with schools throughout Saint John and surrounding areas to provide a unique and exciting educational experience.”

The 30 acre arboretum is located across from the Interpretation Centre in Rockwood Park and is home to all 43 species of trees and other woody plants that are native to New Brunswick – some that have grown naturally, and some that have been planted. The arboretum provides a valuable live study environment for students and individuals and plays a significant role in conservation and education. The walking paths with interpretive signage allow visitors to experience the wildlife and beauty of the native Acadian forest year-round.

“The goal of TD Green Streets is to encourage the adoption of leading-edge practices in municipal forests, and we want to commend the City of Saint John for developing a plan that will provide such a great enhancement to the environment,” said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. “The plantings will provide habitat and food for wildlife and improve air quality, as well as promote community involvement in the protection and preservation of our urban forest.”

“We congratulate the City of Saint John for developing an initiative that will enhance an important green space in their community,” says Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “We’re pleased that we have been able to support their efforts and we look forward to seeing the trees grow within the Rockwood Park arboretum.”

TD Green Streets is open to Canadian municipalities, First Nations communities and Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Submissions are reviewed by regional Tree Canada Advisers, Board Members, urban forest practitioners and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation representatives based on innovation, community involvement and technical expertise.